Top 3 Virtual Meeting Platforms

In a previous Blog post, we talked about “How to Increase Engagement” in your meetings.  We talked about prep work and pre-work, and how they will make your attendees more engaged and your meetings more productive.

Another way that you can create engagement in your meetings, especially when all of the attendees are not co-located, is through the use of conference calling.  And we’re not talking about everyone speaking into a device in the middle of the conference table at separate locations.  We’re talking video conferencing.

You’ve probably heard of Skype, and maybe even used it to talk one-on-one to friends and family across the miles.  But Skype is pretty much limited to two people. Sure, you can talk with more than one, and even play a game together. And, that’s great for socializing. But for work, how do you keep everyone on track and on task? So, what other options are out there? And, are there free virtual meeting options so you don’t spend a lot of money trying out video conferencing? Check out LucidMeetings; MeetingKing.com; Or ooVoo.com.

First, let’s talk about the LucidMeetings (LM) platform. What I like about LM is that is it built specifically for Robert’s Rules of Order meetings; it includes motions, votes, notes, and more, making it perfect for Home Owner Association meetings, which can now be held as virtual meetings.  It also allows you to incorporate documents into the agenda.  LM is a virtual conference room that holds all of your documents, and your agenda together.  Documents can include spreadsheets, Word docs, .PDFs, and PowerPoint presentations. You can assign and track tasks.  LM also allows you to share screen capability.  LM integrated their platform with “Glance” which allows meeting participants to access the meeting from any device, be it desktop, laptop or smart phones. And the best part is that the participants are not required to download any software to be able view the presenter’s screen.  Monthly subscriptions range from $24.95 – $699.

MeetingKing allows you to create collaborative agendas, attach supporting material, send out email invites, track tasks, create templates, monitor a “virtual Parking Lot” and connect meetings.  You can use it for weekly updates, monthly reviews and quarterly assessments.  In addition, go ahead and set up pre-meeting tasks with deadlines.  MeetingKing provides daily reminder summaries and keeps everyone on track.  It maintains all of the relevant information for your virtual meeting in one place, in the cloud. One small downside is that it doesn’t have integrated telecommunication links, so you would use another platform such as freeconferencecall.com or even ooVoo.com for video chat. Sometimes simpler is better, keeping the focus on the meeting and not the technology. You can sign up for free AND your meeting participants do not have to have a subscription!

And finally, ooVoo.com.  You can video chat with up to 12 other people.  Or create quick videos to send to others, or post on YouTube. The video quality is fantastic. Just last month we saw some great improvements in the platform which added a Facebook application, as well as mobile access to iPad, iPhone and Android users.  With the iPad, you have the ability to view four simultaneous video streams at once.  It’s easy to connect with others; simply email, post or text an ooVoo Call Link.  They don’t even need to have the application.  And, it’s free too!

All of these virtual meeting tools can enhance your internal and external communications.  So, how are you going to use them?  Let me know if you’ve used them already, and share your comments here!

–Joy Bolluyt, Owner, President and Lead Consultant of Manageta. “Command Your Vision … Experience the Power of a Team!”

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Joy A. Bolluyt © Copyright 2012.  WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include:  Joy Bolluyt, Owner, President and Lead Consultant, Manageta, is an online business consultant, certified online business manager and virtual teaming expert.  She works with highly motivated consultants, business owners, and entrepreneurs that want to GROW their business and take back their LIFE!  To schedule a complimentary consult, go to https://my.timedriver.com/L4B6G and visit Blog:  http://manageta.com

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